California Injury Blog
Jacob Farrand, 24, was killed in a La Habra car accident, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a KTLA news report, the incident occurred early morning on Sept. 20 at the intersection of La Habra and Harbor boulevards. Police said one vehicle was heading east on La Habra Boulevard when it crashed into the other vehicle that was northbound on Harbor Boulevard.
One of the motorists, Farrand, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, 28-year-old Scott Hisaka, was hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening. He was later arrested on suspicion of murder and felony DUI. The case remains under investigation. Anyone who saw the crash is asked to contact La Habra police at 562-383-4300.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family members of Jacob Farrand for their tragic and untimely loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
DUI Collisions
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2015 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 16 injuries involving DUI crashes in the city of La Habra. In Orange County as a whole, 64 people died and 1,310 were injured due to alcohol-related crashes during the same year. In all, there were 178 deaths and 14,721 injuries reported as a result of traffic accidents countywide in the year 2015.
Laws and Liability Issues
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. It is also against the law to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. A repeat DUI offender might face murder charges in cases where an individual other than the suspected DUI driver is fatally injured.
In addition to facing criminal charges, DUI drivers may also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. In such cases, families of deceased DUI victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced Orange County DUI victims’ lawyer will be able to financially pursue the at-fault parties and help families obtain the compensation they need and rightfully deserve.
Source: https://ktla.com/2018/09/20/driver-suspected-of-dui-in-fatal-head-on-collision-in-la-habra/